Hybrid In-Flight Connectivity System Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications systems for aircraft face limitations in providing reliable and cost-effective in-flight connectivity due to the high cost and limited capacity of satellite networks, as well as restricted access to terrestrial WLAN networks during flight.
Innovation Solution
An integrated communications system that utilizes both air-to-ground and satellite communications, employing a controller to manage data streams and allocate bandwidth based on prioritization levels, with a small cell access node and wireless local area access node to ensure continuous connectivity, and includes avionics and in-flight entertainment system integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite communications are used to provide wide-area network services during flight, then connectivity coverage is improved, but cost and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between satellite and terrestrial communication modes based on aircraft position, altitude, and signal availability. The controller monitors connection quality and automatically transitions between communication paths to optimize latency and maintain connectivity, making the communication system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is divided into separate satellite and terrestrial communication paths, each handled by dedicated modems and access nodes. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path and enables selective use of the most appropriate communication mode for current flight conditions.
2Reliability
If satellite network capacity is increased to improve service quality, then connectivity reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system serves multiple functions through a unified architecture that handles both satellite and terrestrial communications. The same controller, routing system, and access nodes manage both communication paths, allowing the system to provide comprehensive connectivity services without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as bandwidth allocation, modulation schemes, and transmission power based on the selected communication mode and current network conditions. This allows efficient utilization of available satellite capacity without requiring excessive network resources.
3Quantity of substance
If terrestrial WLAN networks are used for ground access, then cost is reduced, but availability decreases to only a small portion of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous connectivity by maintaining both satellite and terrestrial communication capabilities simultaneously ready. As the aircraft transitions from ground to air, the system continuously switches between terrestrial WLAN and satellite communications without interruption, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the entire flight duration.
4Reliability
If multiple communication systems are integrated to improve connectivity, then availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite and terrestrial communication systems are merged into a unified architecture under a single controller. Both modems, access nodes, and routing functions are integrated into one system that manages both communication paths, reducing operational complexity despite the presence of multiple physical components.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid in-flight communications system integrates aircraft communications systems and traffic management of the aircraft air-to-ground communications and satellite communications to provide gate-to-gate connectivity to users on an aircraft. A technique for providing users with in-flight connectivity includes a first modem configured to process signals communicated with a non-terrestrial relay point. The apparatus includes a second modem configured to process signals communicated with a terrestrial relay point. The apparatus includes a wireless local area access node configured to communicate with user equipment on the aircraft and a small cell access node configured to communicate with user equipment on the aircraft. The apparatus includes a controller configured to manage first data streams between the small cell access node and the first modem and the second modem. The controller is configured to manage second data streams between the wireless local area access node and the first modem and the second modem. The apparatus may include avionics equipment.